vaccines

Vaccines for Children Are Not Linked to Mental Health Conditions

Girl getting a shot

There is a lot of misinformation about vaccines, particularly as it relates to mental health conditions. Some communities report that vaccines have links to Autism, Schizophrenia, and other neurological concerns.  However, it is important to know the facts.  

Here are some basic facts about vaccines and mental illness.

  1. Vaccines do not cause mental illness.

The government operates a safety monitoring system (VAERS, FDA, CDC) for vaccines. The scientists involved in these systems continually monitor for all possible adverse effects from vaccines. None have found a link to autism.

  1. The original study that “found” a link between autism and vaccines was retracted due to falsified data.

This small study, conducted in 1998, reported that the combination MMR vaccine might cause autism. The lead researcher lost his license to practice medicine. He also faced charges related to fraud. This study has been removed from journals and libraries due to the proof that he lied about his findings.

  1. Even so, several very reputable scientists and universities continued to study vaccines.

Many researchers attempted to replicate the findings of this discredited researcher.  They even used well-controlled studies with larger sample-sizes. They never found any proof that vaccines caused mental health problems.

Bottom line: Never base health decisions for your child on one research study. Talk to your child’s doctor about any vaccine safety concerns.

Ari Brown, MD, FAAP

Here is a wonderful, research-based article on vaccines and childhood illnesses. It is written by Ari Brown, MD, FAAP, a practicing, board-certified pediatrician.

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